DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

Kerry:

I have successfully (mostly) banned horizontal sliding sashes in favor of
vertical rising sashes.  I use the following reasons:

The researchers will never work with their arms around the horizontal sash -
they will shove the sash out of the way and work directly in front of the
diethyl death they have burbling away, with nothing between them and their
goop but air.

A vertical rising sash prevents researchers from diving head-first into
their hoods.  With the sash at 18", they bonk their heads on the sash and
figure out a different way to work without climbing into the hood .

The combo sashes are marketed as providing energy savings because they limit
the hood opening.  The combo sashes are also more expensive.  A vertical
rising sash, set at 18" with limits on lab airchange rate, a variable air
volume lab airflow control system and good sash management (pull the thing
down when not in use) can achieve similar levels of energy savings.  Since
you're not located in California, you can take advantage of energy savings
using the lower flow fume hoods - 80 fpm or so.

My project managers and design professionals have bought into the vertical
sashes and the researchers understand that the vertical sash can protect
them.  I haven't had much resistance.

Hope this helps,
Debbie
------------------
Debbie M. Decker, Campus Chemical Hygiene Officer
Environmental Health and Safety
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA  95616
(530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
Co-Conspirator to Make the World A 
Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy

-----Original Message----
From: "Kerry Smith" 
Date: May 30, 2006 6:25:24 PM EDT (CA)
Subject: Hood Sash question

We are selecting hoods for several lab remodels.  The architects have
already specified combination horizontal/vertical sashes.  My experience
with hood users has given me a less than positive desire for horizontal
sashes.  Has anyone out there [here on this list ;~)] prohibited
horizontal sashes or have justifiable pros for having them.

Thanks

Kerry J. Smith, CIH
Senior Industrial Hygienist
BYU Risk Management & Safety Dept.
T 801-422-2943
F 801-422-0711